The Yorkshire Terrier is one of the smallest breeds of dogs, even among terriers. Yorkies, as these dogs are often called, were bred at the latter end of the 19th century by Scottish workers who came to Yorkshire, the place after which the breed is named.
While the workers didn’t leave a clear record of how Yorkies came to be, it’s widely believed that the breed came from mixing various terrier breeds from Scotland and England. Originally bred to be a ratter, the Yorkshire Terrier is now one of the most popular toy-sized dog breeds in the US, UK, Australia, and other countries.
Many people also consider Yorkshire Terriers to be an excellent dog breed for small homes, and the breed frequently joins the list of the best pets for apartment living.
Just what makes Yorkies a great companion for people who are living in apartments? Read on to find out:
Yorkies Are A Small Breed
One of the top considerations of prospective pet parents who live in apartments such as apartments near Tacoma is that they have very limited space for accommodating dogs, particularly large breeds that require plenty of movement and exercise. This is not a problem for Yorkies, as these dogs only grow to about 8 to 9 inches tall and weigh around 4 to 7 lbs.
They can thrive and get a bit of exercise even in a small home. At the same time, they are unlikely to reach high surfaces in the house such as the countertops and tables. As such, their pet owners won’t have to worry much about them eating or chewing stuff they’re not supposed to.
To encourage them to play and move about, owners can purchase custom pet merchandise for their dogs, or at least choose toys that are suited for the terrier’s size. If the dog is going to be left to their own devices for long periods, make sure that they have another companion pet with them so that it won’t suffer from separation anxiety.
Yorkies can get along great with other dogs, cats, and older children, though they’ll need to be supervised if they are spending time with younger kids.
Yorkies Are Quite Energetic
Prospective pet parents shouldn’t be fooled by the Yorkie’s small stature. Despite their size, Yorkshire Terriers are a bunch of energetic dogs that love to play and run about. Apartment dwellers who have their hearts set on an active dog with a big personality will not be disappointed with the breed.
These dogs like to play and interact with their family members, and they like getting the attention of their humans. At the same time, they love to curl up next to their family members if they feel like they’ve had enough exercise.
They’re also pretty brave and curious, so it’s a great idea to keep dangerous items like choking hazards and non-dog-friendly food items away from places that they can easily reach.
Because they’re small, Yorkies won’t disturb the neighbors even if they spend most of the day running around and jumping up and down in the apartment.
Yorkies Don’t Shed Much
It takes about 3 years for a Yorkie to show their literal true colors, and it’s quite difficult to predict what their fur will look like once they reach this age. Additionally, maintaining a Yorkie’s traditional long coat is a demanding job.
The long fur will need to be brushed thoroughly at least once a day to prevent the formation of knots, and oiling should be done once a month.
That being said, owners can also opt to keep the dog’s coat short. Despite their fluffy appearance, Yorkies don’t shed a lot, so they’re a great fit for anyone who doesn’t want to deal with a lot of loose fur at the end of every day.
Some people also claim that Yorkies are hypoallergenic. The minimal shedding supports this, though it should be noted that no dog breed is 100 percent guaranteed not to trigger allergic reactions.
Yorkies Are Great Guard Dogs
Bold and brave, Yorkies will let their pet parents know if there’s something new in the apartment. They’re quick to determine if there are strangers nearby and alert their owners to this strange presence or any sign of threat.
If a Yorkie gets too yappy, don’t be alarmed. This habit can be curbed with a bit of training and enough exercise.
Apartment-Friendly Yorkies Need Proper Training as Well
Yorkshire Terriers often display qualities that the breed is expected to have, but it should be noted that Yorkies are also individuals with varying personalities and temperaments.
The good news is that these dogs are quite adaptable, and with proper training, they’ll be able to do well living in a small space or even spending days on the road with their pet owners. Treat these small and fantastic dogs with care and they’ll surely reward their humans with years of love and loyalty.
